About a week had passed since the party and Alex and I were dating, but we mutually agreed to take it slow, given the circumstances under which we’d gotten together. But his birthday and Rian’s were readily approaching, as was Christmas, so we decided to plan a surprise party for both of them, which would double as a Christmas party.

I teamed up with Rian’s girlfriend, Kara, Zack, Jack, and the crew members as well as several other bands to plan the party and set it up. Kara and I would take Rian and Alex out for a double date and then we’d come back to their surprise party.

We were just going to go out to a nice, but not excessive restaurant and when we got back, there would be party. Kara and I had dressed relatively nicely, as had the boys. Alex and Rian were wearing white button downs, black vests, ties, and skinny jeans.

Dinner was delicious. I’d had fettuccine alfredo, Alex had spaghetti with sauce, and Rian and Kara both had chicken parm.

We got back to the house and it was dark, as I’d told them. We walked in and I waited for Alex to turn on the light.

“Surprise!” everyone yelled, popping up from furniture and from behind doors.

“Oh my God. Did you do this?” Alex asked, his face turning pink.

“I had help.” I smiled.

“Thank you. So much.” he whispered. He hugged me, but I swear his hands were shaking as they rested on the small of my back.

When I pulled away slightly, I saw Alex had tears in his eyes. He saw me look and immediately bowed his head, sniffing discretely.

“Why are you crying?” I asked, putting a hand to his cheek.

“I...I just...we’ve only been dating for a week.” he said.

“Yeah, and it’s your birthday, and Rian’s, and almost Christmas.” I replied.

“So, I don’t deserve this.” he whispered.

“Alex, stop being a pussy and celebrate!” Jack exclaimed, coming over and thumping him on the back.

“Thanks for the help, Jack.” I laughed.

“Sure thing, Brookie boo!” Jack said, hugging me tightly.

“Time for cake, suckers!” Kara yelled.

We all went into the dining room, where the cake was. It was a massive cake with the All Time Low logo on it and a number 22 candle on it. We gathered round, leaving Alex and Rian in the center, and began to sing.

“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, Alex and Rian. Happy birthday to you!” we sang and they each blew out the candles, Alex kissing my cheek.

They started cutting the cake and giving out pieces. I got the first piece from Alex and went over to the bar to sit down with it.

About five minutes later, Alex came and sat next to me.

“Where’s Travis?” I asked. I hadn’t seen his wild red hair around, but all his bandmates were here.

“I didn’t invite him.” Alex admitted.

“Is it because of what happened last week?” I asked.

“Yeah. That, and we kinda had an argument about it one day when you were out doing something. It didn’t end well.” he confessed.

“Alex, I didn’t want to ruin a friendship for you.” I said.

“Don’t worry about it.” he assured me, rubbing my arms.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Positive.” he replied, smiling at me.

We sat down so Rian and Alex could open their presents and we drank wine and talked and laughed.

--

Since we’d had a blizzard, we got a white Christmas. I awoke to all four members of All Time Low, as well as their crew jumping on Alex’s bed to wake me up.

“Wake up, bitch! It’s Christmas!!” Jack screamed.

“I know it’s Christmas, but what time is it?” I asked groggily.

“Eight thirty!” Rian chorused.

“Why can’t I sleep for two more hours?” I asked.

“Because it’s Christmas!” Alex replied, as if that were the answer to everything.

“Well, it’ll still be Christmas in two hours when I’ll have slept in more.” I said.

“Come on, where’s your holiday spirit?” Matt asked, wearing Mickey Mouse pajamas.

“It’s in the shop. It’ll be all ready in two goddamn hours.” I said through my teeth.

“Guys, let her sleep, she’s not gonna quit otherwise.” Alex finally said.

“You’re only saying that so you guys can have Christmas morning sex.” Rian laughed.

“Maybe so, would you like to watch?” Alex asked pointedly. They all shook their heads.

“Then shoo.” Alex said and laid down with me as they walked out.

“I hate your friends.” I sighed, burrowing deeper into Alex’s silky sheets.

“No you don’t.” Alex laughed, wrapping his arm around my waist.

“Yes, I do.” I persisted.

“You won’t hate them when we’re gone on tour.” he pointed out. Tour?! What the hell.

Notes

Oooh, what did Alex dooo?? Rate and comment to find out!!

Brooke and Kara

so...what did y'all get for Christmas? let me know!

PS - I am aware that Rian and Kara are no longer dating. To the best of my knowledge, they were still a thing at the time which this takes place (right after the Glamour Kills tour in the winter of 2009). I have nothing against Rian and Cassadee dating or Cassadee herself (obviously not, since I hinted at them dating in the future, two chapters ago) I just like to make my stories accurate.

And if you don't know who Kara is, get outta here. Just, go.